Sailing officials decline to punish Malaysian federation

SOUTHAMPTON, England – World Sailing has declined to punish the Malaysian Sailing Federation after two Israeli athletes withdrew from last month's Youth World Championship due to conditions imposed by government authorities.

World Sailing says an investigation found that requirements by the Malaysian government breached World Sailing's "no-discrimination" regulations.

World Sailing officials say they "deeply regret" the Israeli sailors were unable to compete.

The governing body says that in the future, it can sanction national governing bodies for breaches of the "no discrimination" regulations.

The Israel Sailing Association said windsurfers Yoav Omer and Noy Drihan and coach Meir Yaniv were denied visas. The association said Malaysia had placed "unacceptable" demands by forbidding athletes from carrying their country's flag or wearing any symbol on their attire and surfboards that showed their country of origin.